HiFi-5G-EMANE Modeling and Simulation Tool

We propose to develop and demonstrate a high-fidelity Fifth Generation New Radio (5G NR) simulation model for Extendable Mobile Ad-hoc Network Emulator (HiFi-5G-EMANE) as an addition to the HiFi-LTE-EMANE emulation system being currently developed by EpiSci and its partners. The new 5G-NR radio model for EMANE utilizes the same Open Air Interface (OAI) open source software package as the current HiFi-LTE-EMANE system, thus greatly accelerating the development speed while reducing the risks associated with the complexity of the 5G NR standards.  As more and more Department of Defense agencies and program offices seriously consider utilizing 5G NR capabilities for significantly expanding existing and future battlefield communication systems, there is a critical need to research and study the possible use cases and potential performance of  emerging 5G standards, systems, solutions, and their adaptations under a wide range of scenarios and missions. A lab based, scalable, high-fidelity, and open source 5G NR modeling and simulation tool friendly to existing tactical network system planning tools will provide the ability for tactical networking system planners to evaluate and deploy a full 5G NR ecosystem using a cost-effective set of commodity PC hardware units. The resulting high-fidelity 5G NR simulation tool, when integrated with other tactical network emulations and mission planning tools, will allow analysis of the performance of various mission applications and intelligence sensors and software while utilizing a tactical 5G solution. Additionally, the system will allow various customization and adaptations of 5G NR technologies to be enhanced with tactical requirements such as LPD/LPI and anti-jamming capability. This new HiFi-5G-EMANE models will be developed in parallel with the ongoing effort for HiFi-LTE-EMANE model development, as both utilize the same open source package called Open Air Interface, or OAI (openairinterface.org). Both models will produce high-fidelity EMANE radio models that are faithful to LTE and 5G standards by constructing LTE/5G radio model and standardized interfaces in an emulated physical layer inside the EMANE. The proposed effort for HiFi-5G-EMANE development will add the following new components: MAC-PHY interface model for 5G NR specification in EMANE 5G NR channel models in EMANE for both Frequency Ranges 1 and 2 (FR1 & FR2) Customized, military-grade 5G-based secure tactical networking system models in EMANE with LPD/LPI/AJ capabilities The resulting EMANE models will be modularized and thoroughly validated for readily integration into existing and emerging tactical network planning tools and frameworks.